ICC Women's T20 World Cup: ICC penalizes Arundhati Reddy following India vs Pakistan clash

India's campaign at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup finally saw success on Sunday as the women secured their first win of the season. After suffering a heavy defeat against New Zealand women in their tournament opener, India arrived in Dubai with a singular aim: to win the clash. Moreover, with arch-rivals Pakistan women as their opponents in the second match, defeat wasn't an option for the women in blue. Consequently, nerves and aggression ran high throughout the game, which India ultimately won. The victory in Dubai revived India's hopes for semi-final qualification in the marquee event. However, not everything turned out positively for the team on Sunday, as the ICC penalized the star performer of the match, Arundhati Reddy, for her send-off to Nida Dar.

ICC reprimands Arundhati Reddy following the India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup

Indian all-rounder Arundhati Reddy was reprimanded and issued one demerit point for her actions after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Nida Dar. Pakistan, having won the toss, opted to bat first in Dubai. As India restricted Pakistan to a meager total of 105, Reddy stood out as the best performer with the ball. However, as the Pakistani innings neared its conclusion, Reddy let her emotions get the better of her.

The incident took place during the 20th over of Pakistan's innings when Reddy pointed towards the pavilion following Dar's dismissal. This marks Reddy's first offense within the two-year period that the ICC outlines for accumulating demerit points. Accumulating four such points over this period could result in a match suspension. Reddy did not contest the sanction proposed by the Match Referee.

"Reddy was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match," the ICC stated in its statement.

While the win has turned a bit sour for the Indian player, it doesn't overshadow her notable performance in the match. She claimed three crucial wickets against Pakistan women and was adjudged 'Player of the Match' at the conclusion of the game. Reddy's outing with the white-ball played one of the key elements that helped India secure their first win in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. India women will now face Sri Lanka women on Wednesday, October 9 in their penultimate clash at the league stage.